The Next Frontier: MVP Group Leaders Urged to Go Beyond AI Use Cases, Transform Workflows in ‘AI 2.0’ Era

With artificial intelligence rapidly evolving, organizations must go beyond simple AI use cases and instead rethink workflows, reimagine organizations, measure ROI based on business outcomes that matter, and lead and govern for AI risk management, architecture, and security.

This was among the key insights discussed at the 20th Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session (ACGES), themed “The Next Advantage: Driving Strategic Business Growth Through AI,” where global AI thought leader Dr. Ayesha Khanna, CEO and Co-Founder of ADDO AI and Founder of Amplify, highlighted the emergence of the Agentic Era and the growing role of autonomous AI agents in transforming how businesses operate.

Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan joined more than 500 directors, advisory board members, and executives from across the ACGES participating companies at the annual governance session held on October 2, 2026, at Makati Shangri-La. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the Group's businesses, including publicly listed companies, PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Philex Mining Corporation, PXP Energy Corporation, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), and Roxas Holdings Inc. (RHI); as well as public companies Digital Telecommunications Phils, Inc. (Digitel), Asian Hospital, Inc., Medical Doctors, Inc. (Makati Medical Center), Lucena United Doctors, Inc., Diliman Doctors Hospital, Inc., and Davao Doctors Hospital (Clinica Hilario), Inc., and registered issuers NLEX Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Other attendees were from Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Multisys Technologies Corporation (Multisys), ePLDT, Inc., VITRO Inc., PLDT Global Inc., Maya Philippines, Inc., Voyager Innovations, Inc., Kayana Solutions Inc., Metro Pacific Health Corporation, Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (mWell), Cignal TV, Inc., TV5 Network, Inc., and MediaQuest Holdings, Inc.

‘Bet on humanity’

In his welcome address, PLDT Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr. drew from his own experience using AI to support decision-making and enterprise transformation, citing AI's potential to enhance productivity and accelerate innovation while emphasizing the importance of retaining human judgment in an increasingly AI-enabled world.

“What if AI stops the next generation from learning how to think? What if they stop because something else is doing the thinking for them? So that’s something to be concerned about,” said Jimenez, underscoring the need to preserve critical thinking and accountability and ensure responsible adoption to better navigate both opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. “Between betting on AI and betting on humanity, I will bet on humanity. We’ll figure it out eventually.”

Workflows, not just AI use cases

In her keynote address, Dr. Khanna urged companies to move beyond AI use cases and focus instead on transforming workflows to drive growth, especially as industries enter the next era of AI, where AI agents are expected to lead.

“To succeed in the agentic era, we must stop using old-school words like ‘use case’. This notion of specific small AI achievements is no longer how people are thinking. It has failed. People now think of entire workflows,” she said, adding that organizations that successfully scale AI will be those that align technology investments with strategy while building the talent, governance frameworks, and operating models needed to thrive in the AI era.

The session also featured a fireside chat moderated by PLDT and Smart Public Engagement Group Head Roby Alampay, with Dr. Khanna and PLDT Independent Director Dr. Erika Fille T. Legara.

The discussion emphasized that successful AI transformation starts with clear business and customer outcomes, supported by the right technology, data, and redesigned workflows. Panelists also stressed that human accountability must remain central as AI gains greater autonomy, making AI fluency and the ability to bridge technology and business increasingly important skills.

For the Philippines, this shift presents an opportunity to strengthen its position in the emerging AI economy. “We are fast learners. We are digital natives,” said Dr. Legara, adding that there is a need to fundamentally rethink the current Philippine curriculum to be able to produce the workforce of the future and develop Filipino professionals who can combine AI expertise with business strategy. “What we need for organizations to transform are people who understand both worlds, and who can translate the language of business and the language of tech,” she said.

The Annual Corporate Governance Enhancement Session is a flagship program of the PLDT Board, in collaboration with other ACGES participating companies, that brings together Group directors and officers to strengthen governance practices and explore emerging trends shaping business leadership. Now in its 20th year, ACGES continues to serve as a strategic platform for governance learning and collaboration among the companies. [

Globe Leads NTC SMS Quality Test, Posts Strong Mobile Speeds and Call Reliability

Globe delivered strong results in mobile data, messaging, and voice services in the latest joint quality-of-service tests conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), recording download speeds of up to 381 Mbps while meeting regulatory standards for SMS success and dropped calls. The findings reinforce broader government data showing measurable improvements in Globe’s network performance throughout 2026.

In tests conducted across Metro Manila, Globe recorded the highest average SMS success ratio among the three mobile operators at 99.41%, making it the only provider to meet the NTC’s prescribed standard of above 99%. Globe also posted a 0.74% average call drop ratio, comfortably within the regulator’s threshold of below 2%, demonstrating strong performance in essential communication services.

Mobile broadband testing likewise showed Globe capable of delivering high-speed connectivity, with a peak download speed of 381 Mbps. Across all three operators, the NTC reported that 113 of 142 test campaigns recorded speeds above 50 Mbps, describing mobile broadband performance in most areas tested as very satisfactory.

“These results demonstrate the strength of Globe’s network in delivering the essential services Filipinos rely on every day, from making calls and sending messages to accessing mobile data,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe General Counsel. “We welcome the NTC’s continued monitoring as it provides an important measure of service quality and helps us identify where further improvements are needed.”

The NTC findings come alongside broader improvements recorded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through its nationwide Oplan Bantay Signal monitoring. Globe’s overall performance score increased from 77.2 in January to a year-high 82.6 in September, while average download speed rose 41% from 36.5 Mbps to 51.53 Mbps over the same period.

Reliability has also remained a clear strength despite Globe serving the country’s largest share of mobile subscribers. In September, Globe accounted for 44.76% of the mobile market but only 6.1% of disconnection complaints, with complaints declining 64% from January levels, according to the DICT’s Telco Report Card.

Globe continues to strengthen its network through targeted infrastructure improvements, accelerated site deployment, and the expansion of coverage in underserved communities. These efforts include prioritizing areas where additional infrastructure can benefit more Filipinos and pursuing satellite direct-to-cell technology to extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks.

Eastern Communications Earns Great Place To Work Recognition, Putting People at the Heart of Innovation

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Connectivity for Eastern Communications has always been more than technology. It is about the people who give purpose to every connection. That belief and a people-centered approach are what made Eastern earn its recognition as a Great Place To Work for the third year in a row, as the company's efforts continue to build a workplace where connection and collaboration are integral pillars that cultivate an environment where Eastern employees are empowered and equipped to take on new opportunities and challenges.

For Eastern, the recognition goes beyond an HR milestone. It reflects a workplace philosophy rooted in its High Tech, High Touch approach, bringing together innovation and technology with genuine human connection.

“Our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a company that connects businesses and communities through technology, we also believe in creating an environment where our own people feel connected, valued, and empowered to grow,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

Bringing High Tech, High Touch to the Workplace

As Eastern continues to evolve as a telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, its people remain central to that transformation. Eastern’s expanding portfolio across connectivity, network, cybersecurity, cloud and data center, and business applications requires employees who are ready to learn, adapt, and innovate alongside a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Simultaneously, Eastern recognizes that technology is only as meaningful as the people behind it. Therefore, its trademark philosophy of High Tech, High Touch extends beyond customer solutions and into employee experience.

Through opportunities for collaboration, learning, recognition, and engagement, Eastern continues to foster a culture where people can contribute meaningfully while developing their capabilities.

This commitment has also earned recognition this year in employer branding and excellence in employee engagement, complementing the company’s Great Place to Work recognition and highlighting its efforts to build a workplace that resonates with both current and future Eastern employees.

Dare to Soar Starts Within

The recognition forms part of Eastern’s “Dare to Soar” campaign. A campaign that encourages the organization to look beyond what it has already achieved and pursue what is possible next. For Eastern, this begins with its people.

From embracing new technologies and developing new capabilities to collaborating across teams and finding new ways to serve customers and communities, Eastern employees are encouraged to grow alongside the organization.

“Dare to Soar starts within. We want our people to see Eastern not only as a place where they work, but as a place where they can learn, contribute, and pursue what they are capable of,” said Mr. Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications.

Building a great workplace is ultimately connected to its purpose as a company. Because behind every network, solution, and connection, Eastern values its people who make progress possible.

Lenovo Tech World Returns to CES 2027 at Sphere to Showcase the Future of Human + AI

Lenovo, a global technology leader, will bring its annual innovation event, Tech World, back to CES 2027 in Las Vegas on January 6, 2027. Hosted at the iconic Sphere and featured in the CES keynote lineup, the event promises an immersive experience combining groundbreaking technology, music, and insights from leading voices in the global technology industry.

The event will highlight Lenovo’s latest innovations and explore how Hybrid AI can combine human intelligence with artificial intelligence to unlock new opportunities for individuals, businesses, and society. Under its “Smarter AI for All” vision, Lenovo aims to demonstrate how AI can enhance productivity, protect privacy, improve efficiency, and support responsible technological progress.

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang emphasized that the future is not about choosing between humans and AI, but about bringing them together. Through its Hybrid AI strategy, the company intends to show how people and organizations can transform data into meaningful value while maintaining security and control over their information.

Advancing Hybrid AI for Individuals and Businesses

Tech World 2027 will showcase three major priorities: user-centric AI, full-stack efficiency, and trust. Lenovo plans to demonstrate personalized, context-aware AI experiences that work across multiple devices while prioritizing user privacy. These experiences could connect PCs, smartphones, wearables, and emerging ambient devices into a more unified personal AI ecosystem.

For enterprises, Lenovo will highlight its full-stack Hybrid AI portfolio, which combines devices, infrastructure, software, solutions, and services. The approach is designed to help organizations unlock insights from critical data, scale AI infrastructure, modernize workplaces, and move toward AI-native operations.

Efficiency and responsible AI adoption will also be central themes, with Lenovo emphasizing technology architectures that help customers protect sensitive data, maintain control over their AI capabilities, and maximize the value of their investments.

Strong Business Momentum Fuels AI Ambitions

Lenovo’s upcoming showcase follows significant business growth. The company reported annual revenue of US$83.1 billion and subsequently announced a record first quarter for fiscal year 2026/27, with revenue increasing 42% year-on-year and AI-related revenue growing 60%, according to the supplied announcement.

These results underscore the growing importance of AI within Lenovo’s business strategy and set the stage for further developments at Tech World.

Returning to the Sphere

Lenovo previously hosted Tech World at Sphere during CES 2026, unveiling AI-powered devices, next-generation PCs and smartphones, enterprise AI infrastructure, and technology partnerships.

Tech World @ CES 2027 will take place on Wednesday, January 6, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The event will be open to credentialed CES attendees and streamed globally, with additional speakers, product announcements, and logistical details to be announced.

As AI adoption accelerates worldwide, Lenovo’s return to Sphere will offer a closer look at how Hybrid AI could shape the next generation of personal computing, enterprise technology, and human innovation.

Subsea Cables Are Critical Infra Requiring Whole-of-Nation Protection -- PLDT

The PLDT Group called for deeper collaboration between government and industry to strengthen the resilience of the country's subsea cable network, emphasizing the role of undersea cable infrastructure as a critical enabler of connectivity, economic growth, public services, and national development.

Representing the PLDT Group at the Archipelagic Governance for Subsea Cables Forum, PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real underscored the growing importance of resilient subsea cable systems amid rising global concerns over disruptions affecting critical digital infrastructure worldwide. The forum brought together leaders from government, security agencies, regulators, academe, and telecommunications operators to discuss governance, protection, and resilience measures for the Philippine subsea cable ecosystem.

Organized by The Asia Foundation in partnership with the National Security Council Secretariat, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS), and the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC), the forum highlighted the increasing recognition of subsea cable systems as strategic infrastructure supporting national security and economic resilience.

Speaking from the industry's perspective, Villa-Real said subsea cable networks have become far more than telecommunications assets. "They are national infrastructure. They carry the connections that enable our businesses to operate, our banks to transact, our government to deliver services, and our families to communicate. Increasingly, they also support cloud, data centers, artificial intelligence, and digital services that will shape the next generation of our economy."

His remarks come as governments and operators around the world respond to a growing number of subsea cable incidents that have underscored the vulnerability of digital infrastructure and the importance of building greater network redundancy, route diversity, and coordinated response mechanisms. For the Philippines, an archipelagic nation whose connectivity depends heavily on undersea infrastructure, Villa-Real said resilience must become a national priority.

Villa-Real said resilience must go beyond capacity, calling for greater route diversity, faster restoration, and stronger coordination among stakeholders during disruptions. He also urged closer government-industry collaboration to streamline cable deployment and repairs, strengthen information sharing, and institutionalize incident response protocols. Highlighting the country's strategic location, Villa-Real said the Philippines has the potential to become a major digital gateway in the region. "The Philippines should not think of itself simply as the end point of international cables. Our ambition should be to become a major digital crossroads of the Asia-Pacific."

According to Villa-Real, achieving this ambition will require the convergence of resilient international and domestic connectivity infrastructure, data centers, cloud ecosystems, reliable power systems, and an enabling policy environment that encourages continued investment. He stressed that subsea cable systems should be viewed as part of the country's critical digital infrastructure and supported through sustained public-private collaboration.

"No single company—and no single government agency—can secure the connectivity of an archipelago. It requires a true partnership. If government and industry can work from that shared perspective, then our ambition can go beyond protecting the cables we already have. We can build a Philippine subsea ecosystem that is diverse by design, resilient by architecture, protected through cooperation, and attractive to the next generation of global digital investment."

Faster Cable Restoration Critical to National Resilience

Meanwhile, PLDT First Vice President for Network Design and Engineering Arvin L. Siena, who joined the panel discussion on “The Role of a Resilient Subsea Cable System for Philippine Development," emphasized the importance of reliable connectivity in sustaining government operations, essential public services, business activities, and the country’s digital transformation.

“Connectivity enables governments to serve citizens, businesses to grow, and communities to participate in the digital economy. Ensuring the reliability and resilience of subsea cable infrastructure is therefore not just a network issue, but a key enabler of national development and economic progress,” Siena said.

While telco operators continue to invest in additional cable systems, route diversity, and network redundancy, Siena pointed out that the ability to restore damaged infrastructure quickly is equally important. Submarine cables remain vulnerable to natural disasters, earthquakes, fishing activities, ship anchors, and other maritime incidents. Repairs require specialized cable vessels, many of which must secure multiple permits and clearances before entering Philippine waters.

Siena acknowledged the importance of national security, maritime protection, and regulatory compliance but cautioned that extended approval processes can delay the restoration of essential connectivity. “A cable fault is a technical problem. But an extended outage while repair approvals are being secured becomes a national economic concern,” he said.

To address this, Siena called for a clear, predictable, and streamlined approval process for emergency cable repairs, supported by stronger coordination among government agencies and telecommunications operators.

He also proposed declaring submarine and terrestrial cable routes as critical digital corridors to strengthen public awareness, encourage infrastructure protection, and minimize preventable damage caused by human activities.

“National security and the rapid restoration of connectivity are not competing objectives. We need both security and speed,” Siena emphasized.

As the Philippines advances its digital transformation agenda, the PLDT Group reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and industry stakeholders to protect critical connectivity infrastructure, strengthen national resilience, and help position the country as a leading destination for digital investment in the Asia-Pacific region.